Toto’s Golden Pay in “The Wizard of Oz”: A Deep Dive into Hollywood’s Unique Pay Gap
Hollywood’s storied history is peppered with tales of wage disparity, some of which might surprise even the most dedicated cinephile. In a striking example, 1939’s The Wizard of Oz witnessed a unique salary situation where Toto, Dorothy’s canine companion, earned a heftier paycheck than several of his human co-stars.
A Canine Star’s Earnings on the Yellow Brick Road
The captivating terrier named Terry, who portrayed the iconic Toto, stole scenes and hearts as she trotted alongside Judy Garland’s Dorothy. Their journey, filled with technicolor dreams and melodious adventures, transformed the cinematic landscape. However, an unexpected revelation lies behind the making of this classic: Terry’s pay grade.
For her essential role in the film, Terry was compensated with $125 weekly. Adjusted for inflation, this would equate to a whopping $2,729.38 today. It’s noteworthy to mention that all this money went directly to her trainer, Carl Spitz. A seasoned star, Terry had already made her mark in seven films prior to The Wizard of Oz. One notable mention includes Bright Eyes, where the limelight was shared with the darling Shirley Temple. The casting required a terrier that matched L. Frank Baum’s original depiction, and given Terry’s match and previous on-set experiences, it’s evident why she commanded such a salary.
However, her time on set wasn’t without hardships. A Winkie guard’s misstep led to Terry’s foot injury, causing her to take a two-week break.
Stacking Up Toto’s Earnings with the Cast
While Terry’s earnings were impressive, they didn’t overshadow Judy Garland’s paycheck, which sat at $500 a week. Translated to today’s standards, it’s nearly $11,000. However, there were pronounced disparities elsewhere. Ray Bolger’s Scarecrow and Jack Haley’s Tin Man saw weekly checks of $3,000, whereas Bert Lahr’s Cowardly Lion brought home $2,500. Even the menacing Wicked Witch of the West, played by Margaret Hamilton, pocketed $1,000 weekly.
Yet, where the disparities become most evident is when you compare Toto’s earnings to those of the Munchkin performers. With a mix of song, dance, and acting, most of the Munchkins garnered just $50 a week. Those with a few lines managed to earn $75, and an exclusive group contracted by MGM made around $100. Their collective dedication helped shape Oz’s magical landscape, yet their paychecks painted a different picture.
However, while their on-screen legacy was somewhat overshadowed by their pay disparity, they’ve been honored with a collective star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A nod to the 124 performers who ensured The Wizard of Oz remains an everlasting masterpiece.
In reflecting upon The Wizard of Oz, beyond its dreamy landscapes and sing-along tracks, it becomes clear that Hollywood’s wage debates have deep roots. Whether human or canine, the varied pay scales remind us of the complexities behind bringing timeless stories to the silver screen.
